The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-08-06
GRATIFYING THEIR GRUDGES
How Harrison and Gapen Will Get Even
with Persons Who Displeased Them.
They Will Depose superintendent Fletcher
and Have Already Dismissed Several EN-
ployes of the Insane Hospital.

DIR. Harrison, president of the State Benevo-
lent Boards, said yesterday that the prices of
provisions were going at such rate that it
would take close figuring to bring the expendi-
lures within the appropriations. I'VE got no
appropriation, you know, last winter" he
marked, $50 we have resources greater than
Ii e appropriation for the preceding two years
That was made on a basis of 200 people at the
Insane Hospital Now there are between 1000
and 1000 people, including employees, who
have to be fed at that insti-
tuition. What would feed 1900 peo-
pie can hardly answer, without the
strictest economy. for 1000 persons We are
paying now 90 cents per bushel for pora-
toes Five men put in bids to supply potatoes
and one high 81 % per bushel Other
dealers refused to bid because the market AID
the supply we're SO uncertain. We are paying
much higher rate for coffee and coal Yesterday
we closed contracts for the latter at 81 493 per
ton We stand ready to pipe the institutions
for natural gas. just as soon as any company mas
enterprise enough TO bring it to u.s. Even at
two-thirds the price of coal the State could save
in using natural gas from 81, 900 to $1,000 per
year"
The Doctor In speaking o. the necessity for
economy, said while the funds were not sufficient
intimated that at the Insane Hospital they were
reducing expenses by dIsmssng some of the
employees He did not say how many, but was
apparently anxious to convey the impression
that the dismissals were solely on account of
economical considerations, in order to make the
funds hold out AS the alleged order of dis
missal applied only to six persons, it was sug-
gested that some other reason could be given.
The resolution 20 this effect passed by the In
sane Hospital trustees at their meeting Thurs
day was as follows
is hereby ordered by board that the following
places be and are hereby vacated to-wit: The
painters place, occupied by Mr. Monahan the assist:
the place on the farm occupied by John Kissel. and
the place the pas erer's force occupied by James
Stewart and that of one baker occupied by Henry
Ball. The said vacancies will not be filled during this
will be performed by the other members Of the force
etc And il further ordered by the board that from
roll.
The c. G. Roth mentioned was good witness
against Harrison and the trustees at the inves-
tigation last winter. He has stood, it is said,
between the State Treasury and them in bring
ing contractors up to fulillment of the letter
and spirit of their bonds Hence the trustees
have no further use for Roth. They would have
discharged him some time ago had
ciaed to remove Doctor Fletcher next
month, they doubt regarded Roth as fair
victim to begin with in their contemplated series
OF revenges. The removal of Thomas Stewart
would leave the engines and boilers at the mercy
of inexperienced men, for the trustees did not
decide to employ another skillful man for this
position.
Superintendent Fletcher claimed that the
trustees had right to discharge employees.
That prerogarive belonged to him, did the
matter of appointment except in the latter the
trustees held the power of confirmation. AS to
discharges, though, the superintendent said
his power absolute and he proposed to
exercise IL, Notwithstanding the resolution
quoted above He referred the question to the
Attorney general, who holds that by virtue of
prescribe the number of persons to be en-
ployed, but tho superintendent is to discharge
and appoint chem, but the appointments must
confirming appointments the board has
power over the employees. Therefore" the
Attorney general wrote. $50 far this resolution
operates to prescribe the number Of employees
who shall be employed it is binding upon you,
but 1t is imperative and void far it at
tempts dictate the discharge of the persons
named therein. l think it is your duty to re
iuce the force by the number indicated by the
resolution. but you alone have the power to say
what persons shall be discharged In making
this reduction of the force"
The trustees have decided to appoint DR.. Gal
breath, of Jackson county, as the successor to
DR.. Fletcher. The bills audited and allowed
for the institutions last month amounted to
$1S 043 70 for the Insane Hospital 81, 275. 20 with
1893. 80 for repairs for the Blind Asylum and
$4 701. % with $500 10 for repairs for tho Deaf
and Dumb Institution.